-
Essay / Four layers of the atmosphere, their functions, objectives and characteristics
The atmosphere is like a blanket on our planet. It is the barrier between space and us. It protects us from harmful radiation and maintains a habitable temperature and the balance of gases we need to survive. The question is “how?” » Our atmosphere is made up of four layers: the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere and the thermosphere. Each layer has a different function and quality, making it unique. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The troposphere is the layer we live in and it is the layer that contains the most water vapor. Water vapor creates all clouds and precipitation. Like carbon dioxide, water vapor absorbs the heat given off by the Earth, including some of the sun's energy. This layer is also where all of our weather occurs. Weather patterns occur due to uneven heating of the Earth (caused by the Earth's movements relative to the sun) which creates winds and drives ocean currents. This movement carries heat from the tropics to the poles in an attempt to create energy homeostasis. The results of these processes are phenomena that we call meteorological. Atmospheric pressure is highest in this layer and temperatures start warmer, then cool as one approaches the summit. The thickness of the troposphere is not the same everywhere because it varies according to latitude and season. This is one of the most important layers given that we live there. As you cross the barrier known as the “tropopause,” you will find yourself in the stratosphere. Here the temperature remains constant up to an altitude of around 20 kilometers before starting to slowly increase until reaching the stratopause. Temperatures are increasing due to the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere. Ozone actively absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This causes the stratosphere to warm. If ozone did not absorb these harmful rays and they reached the surface, the Earth would be uninhabitable for many living organisms. Jet planes often fly in this layer of the atmosphere because they can rise above the weather conditions, there is often less turbulence, and the air pressure is lower, providing less resistance and better fuel economy. After crossing the next barrier known as the "stratopause", you enter the mesosphere. We do not frequently visit this layer ourselves. The mesosphere drops in temperature quite rapidly with altitude and is the layer in which meteors encounter enough resistance to burn up. The final barrier is known as the “mesopause” and gives way to the thermosphere. It is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere and has no defined end. Temperature increases significantly with altitude and atmospheric pressure is almost non-existent. This layer contains only a tiny fraction of the mass of the atmosphere. Temperatures rise because of oxygen and nitrogen, which absorb short-wave, high-energy solar radiation. It is also in this layer that auroras occur. The air itself is also an important part of our atmosphere. Air is a mixture of different gases. It is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). Argon then represents 0.93% followed by carbon dioxide at 0.039%. There are also variable components of air. It is about..